President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to The Hague for the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit. The meeting took place after a dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in honor of the attending leaders and their spouses.
The bilateral discussion was held behind closed doors at the Royal Palace.
Focus on Energy, Defense, and Investment Cooperation
According to the statement released by the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, the leaders discussed Turkey–U.S. bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. President Erdoğan emphasized the significant potential for cooperation between the two countries, especially in energy and investment. He highlighted that deepening collaboration in the defense industry would play a key role in achieving the long-standing target of a $100 billion trade volume between the two nations.
Support for Regional Stability and Ceasefires
President Erdoğan also welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, reportedly achieved with President Trump’s efforts. He expressed hope that the ceasefire would be permanent. Erdoğan underscored the importance of maintaining close dialogue to help bring an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Strengthening NATO’s Deterrence Capability
The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of their countries’ roles as key NATO allies. They agreed on the need to strengthen NATO’s deterrent power and discussed the necessary steps to reinforce the alliance’s capabilities.
Erdoğan Participates in NATO Family Photo
President Erdoğan also joined other world leaders for the traditional family photo during the NATO Leaders Summit. In the group photograph, Erdoğan and Trump stood side by side, symbolizing their continued diplomatic engagement.
Background: Recent Contacts Between Erdoğan and Trump This face-to-face meeting marks another step in renewed diplomatic interaction following Trump’s return to office. The two leaders had their first phone call on March 16 after Trump reassumed the presidency. A second phone conversation took place on May 5. During Trump’s first term, he did not visit Turkey, though Erdoğan visited the White House twice—in 2017 and 2019
